The fine structure of the alimentary tract of third-stage larvae of Haemonchus placei and Trichostrongylus colubriformis

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Abstract
A comparative study was made of defined regions of the alimentary tract of third-stage larvae of T. colubriformis and H. placei. The general organization of the tract was similar in both nematodes. The mouth, buccal cavity and oesophagus were lined with cuticle. Muscle cells, apical cells and gland cells were present in the oesophagus. In both species the gland cells contained secretory granules of similar morphology. The lumen of the intestine was ill-defined and apparently nonfunctional. Dense bodies observed in the intestinal cells differed in the two species.We are grateful to Dr D. W. Brocklesby for his help and advice. We would also like to thank Dr D. L. Lee and Dr W. G. MacMillan for helpful discussions.